Host Shania Twain and Mason Ramsey together at the Canadian Country Music Awards in Hamilton, Ont. on Sunday.

Peter Power / The Canadian Press

Her latest album Now was recognized for its appeal across borders, winning the top-selling album and top-selling Canadian album awards.

The CCMA Awards opened with a tribute to Twain’s legendary status led by three of Canadian country music’s new generation of female voices: Jess Moskaluke, Kira Isabella and Madeline Merlo.

Twain then joined the trio on stage to finish the song and proclaim that country remains close to her heart.

Jess Moskaluke, Madeline Merlo, Shania Twain, and Kira Isabella open the Canadian Country Music Awards in Hamilton, Ont. on Sunday.

Peter Power / The Canadian Press

“My musical influences have always been diverse but country music gave me a home, a place where a fast-talking girl from northern Ontario, who dreamt for bigger things for her and her family, could be heard,” she said.

Twain also took several opportunities throughout the broadcast to celebrate the inroads women are making in the country music industry. She also called for more progress.

“I’m thrilled to see women in country dominating the album of the year category,” she said, pointing to how rare it was to see so many women among the nominees.

“But we can go further by recognizing a place for diversity in country music by being inclusive and by really respecting what women of country have always been able to deliver: heart, soul and a kick-ass guitar riff.”

Shania Twain accepts the CCMA Generation Award from Alessia Cara at the Canadian Country Music Awards in Hamilton, Ont. on Sunday.